Dialysis equipment bag

ABSTRACT

A dialysis equipment bag ( 10 ), wherein the dialysis equipment bag ( 10 ) is adapted to receive at least one dialysis bag ( 18 ); and the dialysis equipment bag ( 10 ) comprises heating means ( 36, 38 ) for warming said at least one dialysis bag ( 18 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dialysis equipment bag for carryingand warming one or more dialysis bags and a method of using such adialysis equipment bag.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Many patients suffering from end stage renal failure opt to startdialysis using continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Thismethod of dialysis offers a greater level of independence than attendinghospital every two days. Furthermore, this method gives them a greaterdegree of control over their own health. CAPD is designed to beperformed anywhere, thus fitting in around the patients lifestyle.However, in practice this is not always possible, given the high degreeof sterilisation required to perform CAPD, the amount of associatedmaterial needed, and the ability to warm the bags.

In order to perform CAPD dialysis bags are provided. These bags containa fresh dialysis solution bag, an empty waste products bag and tubingfor connecting the bag to the body of the patient. The dialysis solutionis warmed to body temperature prior to use, for comfort when it entersthe body of the patient.

Current apparatus for warming dialysis bags is designed for use in thehome. It is heavy and awkward to carry and therefore not suitable foruse when the patient wishes to travel.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problemassociated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

In particular, an aim of the present invention is to enable a personrequiring to perform CAPD to travel freely whilst still being able toperform CAPD.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided adialysis equipment bag, wherein the dialysis equipment bag is adapted toreceive at least one dialysis bag; and the dialysis equipment bagcomprises heating means for warming said at least one dialysis bag.

Preferably, the dialysis equipment bag comprises a dialysis bagcompartment adapted to receive the or each dialysis bag. Preferably, theheating means are located in the dialysis bag compartment.

Preferably the heating means are located in at least one wall or floorof the dialysis bag compartment. The heating means are preferablylocated in a pocket.

Preferably the heating means are electrical heating means. The heatingmeans may be powered by the mains and/or operated by a car battery.

Preferably the heating means comprises at least one heating element.Preferably the at least one heating element comprises a first heatingelement which is connectable to the mains and a second heating elementwhich is connectable to the car battery. Preferably both first andsecond heating elements provide a 50% coverage of the heated surfacearea of the at least one dialysis bag.

Preferably the at least one heating element is embedded in a flexiblerubber mat, which may be made of silicone rubber. Preferably the atleast one heating element is an etch foil element with a layer of rubbereach side. The at least one heating element may be provided with abimetal thermostat. The thermostat is preferably adapted to maintain atemperature at or around body temperature. Preferably the thermostatcuts out at 50° C. and resets at 35° C.

Preferably padding is provided each side of the matting to protect themat.

Preferably the dialysis bag compartment is sized such that the or eachdialysis bag fits within the compartment without substantial play.

Preferably the dialysis equipment bag is provided with one or moreadditional storage compartments for carrying objects other than dialysisbags. Preferably, the objects are not for the purpose of dialysis.

Preferably the dialysis equipment bag is made of lightweight materialand/or waterproof material.

Preferably the dialysis equipment bag is designed to accommodate atleast one power supply connection means. The or each power supplyconnection means may comprise a cable and a plug. The or each powersupply connection means may be accommodated within the dialysis bagcompartment or may be held in a separate location within the bag. The oreach cable may pass through a hole in the wall of the compartment. Thecable may be permanently connected to the heating elements.

Preferably the or each dialysis bag compartment is lined with heatstoring material. The heat storing material is preferably able tomaintain heat for six to eight hours.

Preferably foil is provided behind the or each heating means to reflectheat back into the dialysis bag compartment. Silver backing may beprovided on the inside of the dialysis bag compartment to help maintainheat within the dialysis bag compartment.

A light signal or audible alarm may be provided externally or internallyof the dialysis equipment bag to warn the user that the dialysis bagsare at a usable temperature. The light signal may be provided bycoloured LEDs or heat sensitive strips that change colour withtemperature.

Preferably the dialysis equipment bag is a rucksack or a briefcase. Thebriefcase may be provided in two parts, the first part being adapted foruse as a conventional briefcase, and the second part being adapted tocarry and heat the dialysis bags.

The dialysis equipment bag is preferably provided with a card slot forreceiving a card which informs the person reading it that the bagcontains dialysis equipment.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a methodof operating the dialysis equipment bag when the dialysis equipment bagis as herein referred to.

The present invention includes any combination of the herein referred tofeatures or limitations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only withreference to the drawings that follows in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a bag according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the inside of the bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a bag according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the two-part form of the bag ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bag of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a heating arrangement suitable for use in thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-4 show a rucksack 10 according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention. The rucksack 10 is designed to look similar toconventional rucksacks and has a first compartment 12 for use as aconventional rucksack compartment. The first compartment 12 is accessedvia a zip 14. The rucksack 10 also has a second compartment 16, which isdesigned to receive two dialysis bags 18 (only one shown in FIG. 4). Thesecond compartment 16 is accessed via a zip 20.

The second compartment 16 is sized to maintain the dialysis bags 18 inclose contact with the rear wall 30. The rear wall 30 comprises a pocket32 for receiving a heating mat 34 in the form of two heating elements36, 38 sandwiched between two layers of rubber 46. The heating elements36, 38 are shown in more detail in FIG. 8. The mat 34 is sufficientlystiff that the heating elements will not break during normal use of therucksack 10, whilst being flexible enough for comfort when beingcarried. However, the rucksack 10 may be provided with additionalstiffening means such as metal rods, as is well known in rucksackdesign.

The heating elements 36, 38 are powered either by the mains or by a carbattery. FIG. 4 shows both a mains plug 40 and a cigarette lighter plug42 together with respective cables 44 stored within the secondcompartment 16. The cables 44 are preferably permanently attached totheir respective heating elements 36, 38.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary layout of a heating mat 34. The two heatingelements 36, 38 are provided sandwiched between two layers of rubber 46(only one shown for clarity) to form the mat 34. The mains poweredheating element 36 at 230V extends over approximately 50% of the surfacearea of the mat 34 and the battery powered heating element 38 at 12Vextends over the remaining 50% of the surface area of the mat 34.

The heating elements 36, 38 are preferably etch foil elements with alayer of silicone rubber 46 each side. The heating elements 36, 38 maybe provided with a bimetal thermostat, which is adapted to maintain thetemperature at or around body temperature. Preferably the thermostatcuts out at 50° C. and resets at 35° C.

The walls of the second compartment 16 may be insulated to prevent theheat generated by the heating elements 36, 38 from escaping out of thesecond compartment 16. Many conventional insulation materials may beused, such as standard cool pack insulation. Foil may be placed behindthe heating mat 34 to reflect heat back into the compartment 16. Silverbacking may be provided on the inside of the compartment 16 to retainheat within the compartment 16.

The rear of the rucksack is provided with a card slot 50 for receiving acard which informs a person reading it that the bag contains dialysisequipment. However, the card is not visible when the bag is beingcarried.

In use, two dialysis bags 18 are placed in the second compartment 16.The rucksack 10 can be used as if it were a normal rucksack. When it isdesired to heat the dialysis bags 18, the zip 20 of the secondcompartment 16 is undone to enable access to be gained to either themains plug 40 or the cigarette lighter plug 42. The chosen plug 40, 42and its respective cable 44 are passed through the opening of the secondcompartment 16 and the chosen plug 40, 42 is plugged in to anappropriate power source. When the dialysis bags 18 have reached asuitable temperature, preferably around body temperature, they may beremoved from the rucksack 10 and used as is conventional in the art.

The rucksack 10 may be externally or internally provided with a lightsignal or audible alarm (not shown) to warn the user that the dialysisbags 18 are at a usable temperature. The light signal may be provided bycoloured LEDs or heat sensitive strips that change colour withtemperature.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show a briefcase 110 according to a second embodiment ofthe invention. The briefcase 110 is designed to look similar toconventional briefcases. It comprises two sections 112 and 114, both ofwhich can be used as separate cases in their own right or fastenedtogether to form the single briefcase 110.

The first section 112 is designed for use as a conventional briefcase.The first section 112 comprises a main body 116 on which is mounted aclosure flap 118 having two fastening means 120 thereon. Twocorresponding fastening means 122 are located on a lower portion of thefront face of the main body, each for receiving a fastening means 120. Asecond flap 124 extends over the rear of the briefcase and is held alongthe rear of the briefcase by means of Velcro™ or another quick releasefitting. The second flap 124 has no function when the first section 112is in use as a briefcase in its own right.

The second section 114 is designed to receive two dialysis bags 130,together with power supply connection means (not shown). The secondsection 114 accessed via a zip 132. The second section 114 is sized tomaintain the dialysis bags 130 in close contact with the rear wall 134.The rear wall 134 comprises a rear pocket 136 in which a heating mat 138is located. The heating mat 138 may be as set out in FIG. 8 and asdescribed in relation to FIGS. 1-4 above.

The briefcase 110 may be powered either by the mains or by a carbattery. Both a mains plug and a cigarette lighter plug together withrespective cables may stored within the second section 114.

The first and second sections 112, 114 may be held together to form asingle briefcase by undoing the Velcro™ 126 between the rear flap 124and the back wall 134 of the first section 112, passing a handle 140 ofthe second section 114 through a slot 142 in the rear flap 124 of thefirst section 112 and connecting the Velcro™ on the rear flap 124 to adifferent Velcro™ point 146 on the back wall 134 of the second section114. Velcro™ 148 may also be located between the front surface of thesecond section 114 and the rear surface of the first section 112 toensure a secure connection between the first sections 112 and the secondsection 114.

In use, two dialysis bags 130 are placed in the second section 114. Thebriefcase 110 can be used as if it were a normal briefcase, either withboth the first section 112 and the second section 114 attached together,or with the just the second section alone. When it is desired to heatthe dialysis bags 130, the zip 132 is undone to enable access to begained to either the mains plug or the cigarette lighter plug. Thechosen plug and cable are passed through the opening of the secondsection 114 and plugged in to an appropriate power source. The zip 132is then closed to maintain the heat generated by the heating elementswithin the second section 114.

The briefcase 110 may be externally or internally provided with a lightsignal or audible alarm (not shown) to warn the user that the dialysisbags 130 are at a usable temperature. The light signal may be providedby coloured LEDs or heat sensitive strips that change colour withtemperature.

The dialysis equipment bags of the present invention have the advantagethat they are light and easy to carry. Furthermore, when the dialysisequipment bags are not in use to heat dialysis bags, they may show novisually obvious external signs of the fact that they are designed tocarry and heat dialysis bags.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, itwill be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications might be made without departing from the scope of theinvention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filedconcurrently with or previous to this specification in connection withthis application and which are open to public inspection with thisspecification, and the contents of all such papers and documents areincorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including anyaccompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps ofany method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination,except combinations where at least some of such features and/or stepsare mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanyingclaims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative featuresserving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoingembodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, orany novel combination, of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed.

1. A dialysis equipment bag, wherein the dialysis equipment bag isadapted to receive at least one dialysis bag; and the dialysis equipmentbag comprises heating means for warming said at least one dialysis bag.2. A dialysis equipment bag according to claim 1, wherein the dialysisequipment bag comprises a dialysis bag compartment adapted to receivethe or each dialysis bag.
 3. A dialysis equipment bag according to claim2, wherein the dialysis equipment bag is provided with one or moreadditional storage compartments for carrying objects other than dialysisbags.
 4. A dialysis equipment bag according to claim 1, wherein theheating means are electrical heating means.
 5. A dialysis equipment bagaccording to claim 4, wherein the heating means are powered by the mainsand/or operated by a battery.
 6. A dialysis equipment bag according toclaim 4, wherein the heating means comprises at least one heatingelement.
 7. A dialysis equipment bag according to claim 6, wherein theat least one heating element comprises a first heating element which isconnectable to the mains and a second heating element which isconnectable to the car battery.
 8. A dialysis equipment bag according toclaim 6, wherein the at least one heating element may be provided with abimetal thermostat.
 9. A dialysis equipment bag according to claim 2,wherein the dialysis bag compartment is lined with heat storingmaterial.
 10. A dialysis equipment bag according to claim 1 and furthercomprising a light signal or audible alarm externally or internally ofthe dialysis equipment bag to warn the user that the dialysis bags areat a usable temperature.
 11. A dialysis equipment bag according to claim1, wherein the dialysis equipment bag is a rucksack or a briefcase. 12.A method of operating a dialysis equipment bag adapted to receive adialysis bag, the method comprising providing the bag with heating meansfor warming the dialysis bag, and warming the dialysis bag with theheating means.
 13. A method according to claim 12 wherein providing thebag with heating means includes providing electrical heating means. 14.A method according to claim 13 wherein providing the bag with heatingmeans includes having the heating means powered by the mains and/oroperated by a battery.
 15. A method according to claim 13 whereinproviding the bag with heating means includes providing the heatingmeans with at least one heating element.
 16. A method according to claim15 wherein providing the bag with heating means includes providing theat least one heating element with a first heating element which isconnectable to the mains and a second heating element which isconnectable to a car battery.
 17. A method according to claim 15 whereinproviding the bag with heating means includes providing the at least oneheating element with a bimetal thermostat.
 18. A method according toclaim 12 and further comprising providing the dialysis equipment bagwith a dialysis bag compartment adapted to receive the dialysis bag, andlining the dialysis bag compartment with heat storing material.
 19. Amethod according to claim 12 and further comprising providing thedialysis equipment bag with a light signal or audible alarm externallyor internally of the dialysis equipment bag to warn the user that thedialysis bags are at a usable temperature.